splitting an SX drive

[CV16]

I'll have to look at that when I get out of work. Now I'm wondering if I spent $400 on a pump I don't need!

 

[CV16]

Thanks for the pics and info. That makes it much clearer to me. I did have to split my drive, had a rubber piece that was shot. Looks like I bring it to the lake tonight and see what happens. Might have to return a pump.

 

[bruceb58]

If you have been running it at all in your barrel, replace the impeller...it's toast!

 

[spoilsofwar]

And when you pull the impeller, you can always backflush the intake hose as well. Probably the easiest way to ensure there aren't any blockages coming up through the drive.

 

[CV16]

I have been, but I have 2 spare impellers waiting. I guess I should have given the details 1st. When I dropped the boat in a few weeks back, I idled it at the dock for a while. It came up to temp, no overheating at all. Went for a slow ride around, all was good. Took the kids out to ski, not long after it overheated. I changed the impeller and all seemed good. Went back out to ski and overheated again. You guys probably would have known it was that rubber part in the lower 1/2 of the drive right away. Now I wasted 3 great weekends trying to figure this out.

 

[CV16]

There are no blockages for sure!

 

[CV16]

Would I be better off buying one of those muffs or just putting the flush kit in? Also, is there something I can put in that will let me know when I lose water pressure? I think for today I'm just going to try and find some clear hose so I can see if it's working. In the future though it would be nice to be able to see water pressure before it overheats. It never got real hot, but it did get above 175?.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Would I be better off buying one of those muffs or just putting the flush kit in? Also, is there something I can put in that will let me know when I lose water pressure? I think for today I'm just going to try and find some clear hose so I can see if it's working. In the future though it would be nice to be able to see water pressure before it overheats. It never got real hot, but it did get above 175?.

Aqualarm makes many kits that will sound a buzzer and/or illuminate a light if flow to the raw water pump is interrupted:

www.aqualarm.net/cooling-water-flow-c-2/?zenid=f7bfd19ff7aa6ab5a6dd4138b21c7fbc

I've never used them, so I have no personal experience with it, but I do like the concept.

I love my (factory provided) hose attachment T into the water inlet hose. If I didn't have one, I'd install it. But, some people like muffs. To each their own.

 

[bruceb58]

I love my (factory provided) hose attachment T into the water inlet hose. If I didn't have one, I'd install it. But, some people like muffs. To each their own.

I have thought about it. On my boat it's easier to put on muffs than pull the hose into the boat. Also, you can run at higher RPMs on muffs and if you accidentally leave that cap off, your impeller is screwed.

Really nice though to flush while you are moored in saltwater though.

 

[CV16]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the rain hold out and I can try it tonight.

 

[CV16]

I'd like to put a clear hose on from the raw water pump up to the thermostat housing just to see if water is flowing. Does anybody know what diameter I would need so I can get one on my way home?

 

[CV16]

All fixed I think. Running at 175?.

 

[slag]

175 seems too hot to me. I tend to think 140ish is appropriate.

 

[spoilsofwar]

175 seems too hot to me. I tend to think 140ish is appropriate.

My Volvo Penta 4.3 GL with SX drive has run exactly 175 since brand new (according to the dash guage). Doubt he has a problem at that temp. I've change the impeller as yearly maintence, except one year when the boat stayed laid up. Temp always stays at 175.

 

[CV16]

Glad to hear 175? is about right. It sure sounds and runs great.

 

[bajaunderground]

Mine runs between 170˚ and 175˚.

As a side note to Bruceb and sow: I was unaware of the bucket test. I understand there's no head pressure at the drive to feed the sea water pump when submerged above water line...I ran mine for 30 minutes with dishsoap as the priming lube...it must've created enough suction to draft from a bucket as I had water to the pump almost instantly (new pump assembly and impeller). I've run 10+ hours since and haven't gone above 175˚ under constant WOT nor whilst idling...I'm guessing I dodge a bullet. Good Information!

 

[CV16]

I had Dawn dish soap all over mine as well. Mine wouldn't draw any water. I was about ready to take a loss and sell it.

 

[slag]

Hm, mine runs at 140. SX cobra drive. Seems to work fine, but maybe thats too low? Not trying to spread misinformation....

 

[bajaunderground]

Carbureted or Fuel Injection? My old 5.0FL also ran at 140*...FI, as I'm told has to run at the higher temp. The thermostat is 160*, so 140* would never be achievable once at operating temp.

 

[CV16]

Mine is a carb.